‘The book that made me think, ‘yes, this is the way to write history,’ was Finest Hour by Phil Craig and Tim Clayton.’ – James Holland
In 1940, Europe lay at Hitler’s feet. Britain faced its darkest hour – outnumbered and friendless as the German army continued its advance. Defeat or capitulation seemed inevitable.
Taking its readers on a breathtaking journey from open lifeboats in Atlantic gales to the cockpits of burning fighter-planes, and through cities devastated by the Blitz, FINEST HOUR recreates the terror, the tragedy and the triumph of the Battle of Britain.
This powerful account of the events of 1940 is told through the voices, diaries, letters and memoirs of the men and women who lived, loved, fought and died during this terrible yet inspiring year.
Blending original historical research with the experiences of ordinary people in desperate time, FINEST HOUR cuts through the nostalgic haze, and enables readers to experience a time when a nations’ darkest hour became its finest.
In 1940, Europe lay at Hitler’s feet. Britain faced its darkest hour – outnumbered and friendless as the German army continued its advance. Defeat or capitulation seemed inevitable.
Taking its readers on a breathtaking journey from open lifeboats in Atlantic gales to the cockpits of burning fighter-planes, and through cities devastated by the Blitz, FINEST HOUR recreates the terror, the tragedy and the triumph of the Battle of Britain.
This powerful account of the events of 1940 is told through the voices, diaries, letters and memoirs of the men and women who lived, loved, fought and died during this terrible yet inspiring year.
Blending original historical research with the experiences of ordinary people in desperate time, FINEST HOUR cuts through the nostalgic haze, and enables readers to experience a time when a nations’ darkest hour became its finest.
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Reviews
Brilliant ... This highly informative, moving series should form part of the National Curriculum.
Beautifully made ... Achingly vivid.
Compelling ... Mesmerizing stuff.
Manages to construct the tale in such a way that it breaks free of the text-book approach ... Compiled with a pace that could put a lot of thrillers to shame.
From fighter-pilots risking their lives in the skies above England, to squaddies stranded at Dunkirk, to schoolgirls sent abroad to Canada (the book is worth buying just for Bess Walder's account of horror and redemption aboard the City of Benares), this is riveting.
A wonderful oral history of Great Britain during the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain in the tradition of Stephan Ambrose; recommended for all collections.
